Forage Superbowl

Tangent, OR – October 6, 2014 – For the past 31 years, the World Forage Analysis Superbowl has recognized the best and brightest in forage production. Growers from across the U.S. and Canada are invited to send their best samples in either dairy or commercial divisions. Dairy samples are judged on lab analysis (60%), visual judging (30%), and calculated milk per ton (10%). Commercial entries are judged on lab analysis (70%) and visual judging (30%). Visual judging consists of analyzing the color, texture, maturity and leafiness, depending on the category.

With a record of 469 contest entries, Barenbrug forages took home several prizes in different categories this year, including Champion in Quality Counts Hay/Halage, first place in the Haylage and Baleage Divisions and a second place in the Grass Hay Division.

Green Spirit took home 1st, 2nd, 13th and 18th in the Haylage Division. First place was won by Shawn and Sarah Winsher of S&S Dairy, Royalton, MN, with Green Spirit. This forage tested 42% dry matter, 15.5% crude protein, 24.3% ADF and 39.5% NDF. The haylage’s RFQ was 254 and it produced 4,040 lbs of milk per ton. Second place in this category was won by Holst Farms, Lake City, Minnesota.

The Winsher’s sample was so outstanding that it also won the Quality Counts award for the Hay/Haylage category, surpassing all other entries in the Baleage, Commercial Hay, Dairy Hay, Grass Hay and Halage Divisions!

Barenbrug’s soft leaf fescues were 1st and 2nd in the Baleage Division. First place was Herbert Mast from Reedsville, WI. Mast’s tall fescue sample tested for 56.6% dry matter, 15% crude protein, 22.2% ADF and 37.4% NDF, with a 245 RFQ score. Second place was won by Olson Farms, Lena, Wisconsin.

College of the Ozarks took 2nd place in the Grass Hay Division with Baroptima PLUS E34®. The BarOptima tall fescue sample tested for 88.6% dry matter, 14.3% crude protein, 31.3% ADF and 51.71% NDF, with a 176 RFQ score and with an estimated milk production of 3,018 lbs of milk per ton.

The Royal Barenbrug Group is a family-owned business, the core activities of which are plant breeding, grass seed production and the international marketing of seed for turf and forage grasses and legumes. Barenbrug has been the leading grass seed business in the world for over 100 years.